Charlton Athletic Community Trust’s (CACT) annual Upbeats Walk returns on Saturday, April 25th, ahead of the men’s first-team clash against Hull City - the club’s final home Championship fixture of the season.
Ahead of kick-off against the Tigers, participants will take on the traditional nine-mile route from the club’s Sparrows Lane Training Ground in New Eltham to The Valley, all in support of the Charlton Upbeats programme. A number of Charlton legends will join walkers on the day, with names to be confirmed in due course.
You can be part of it by clicking here to sign up for the Upbeats Walk! Entry is FREE for all participants!The Charlton Upbeats is a programme specifically for people with Down’s syndrome and has been a firm favourite among Addicks fans for almost 20 years. More than 170 participants are currently registered, with around 40 attending weekly sessions.
Over the past 12 months, the Upbeats have enjoyed a variety of opportunities, regular training sessions and monthly fixtures in the Kent Disability League, as well as representing Charlton on the pitch at the George Best Football Festival in Belfast. Participants have also taken part in a Kent cricket visit, social events and a range of additional sporting opportunities. The programme continues to provide valuable work experience opportunities – including Upbeat Hope delivering sign language at the Young Greenwich Awards - while Upbeat Danny Mardell was proudly named as CACT’s 2025 Participant of the Year.
Alongside these opportunities, the Upbeats programme also offers vital support for participants and their families, including access to free counselling services and wider community support.
This crucial work that the Upbeats programme delivers is funded entirely through voluntary donations, and your support is essential in helping CACT continue to provide these life-changing opportunities.